Network Rail has issued a warning to parents after CCTV captured footage of a group of children playing on the railway in Oxfordshire. The shocking footage shows the children playing and dancing on a level crossing at Wantage Road, Grove, just inches away from a passing high-speed train.
It was discovered after the driver of a 125mph express train reported applying the emergency brakes after seeing the group on the track. Network Rail condemned the children’s behaviour as “reckless and dangerous.”
The CCTV shows two children standing on the tracks as the train approaches before one is seen retreating behind a barrier while the other starts dancing as the train speeds past just a couple of meters away. Two other people then approach the children before the group cross the tracks to the other side.
READ MORE:
Wantage Road level crossing is based in the village of Grove, Oxfordshire and allows users to cross the four tracks of the high-speed main line between Didcot and Swindon, which sees around 200 trains per day. It is a ‘passive crossing’ meaning users must look both ways for approaching trains before making the decision to cross safely.
Other CCTV footage has also shown similar instances of groups of children deliberately misusing the level crossing including trespassing on the railway track itself, filming and photographing themselves in the middle of the track, and even one child performing tricks on their scooter whilst on the track. Three similar incidents have been reported over the past month and Network Rail’s community safety team is working closely with the British Transport Police visiting local schools and communities to educate the public on safe behaviour near the railway.
Alison Kramer, Network Rail’s Community Safety Manager, said: “The behaviour of the children captured by CCTV is really shocking and reckless. The railway is not a playground and what they are doing is extremely dangerous.
"It is particularly disappointing to see this sort of mindless behaviour when we work so hard alongside the British Transport Police in engaging with local schools and the community to educate people about how to behave safely near the railway. We sincerely urge parents in this area to speak to their children and ensure they understand the risks of trespassing and ask the public to report any trespass incidents they witness.”
Richard Pedley, Network Rail’s Western route level crossing manager, said: “It is crucial that the level crossing is only used as a means of getting across the railway, and under no circumstances should people loiter, or play on crossings and put their lives at risk of being struck by a train.”
Embedded Inspector Darren Burridge from British Transport Police said: “We see hundreds of people taking risks on and around the railway every year, resulting in tragic consequences or life-changing injuries. Both outcomes are avoidable.
"We will continue to work with our colleagues at Network Rail to identify those who persist to trespass and deliberately misuse the level crossings and help educate children and their parents about the risks of playing on or near the railway." Inspector Burridge described the recent instances at the level crossing as "particularly concerning and worrying," adding that the behaviour of these children is "mindless and extremely dangerous."
READ NEXT:
- Mum-of-eight's heartbreak as dream home destroyed just hours before family were due to move in
- Man killed friend with single punch after finding out he had fling with ex
- Inside the fight to stop city centre blocks being raided for parcels 'within minutes' of delivery
- This Greater Manchester postcode is the latest hotspot for first-time buyers
- Manchester nightclubs and bars where we boogied in the 1970s
